We don’t take our nomination lightly, and We are Working to make the best even better!
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YOUR VOTES ARE IN The newest set of Best of Springfield winners has been determined, and it’s time to celebrate them! Springfield’s annual resident choice contest has determined winners in 56 categories that cover everything in the community, from dining to entertainment and recreation to quality of life. There are businesses, individuals and community supporters who make this area great reflected in the 56 winners. We’ve continued to grow our contest to include more facets of Springfield life, and the community responded this year with more than 123,000 votes. This is the third year the Greater Springfield Partnership and the Springfield New-Sun have partnered to promote the public vote, make sure community members have their say and produce this special section. In this section, you’ll find the full list of winners and placers with information about the winners, features and photos showing the great aspects of Springfield life. Thank you for participating in this community contest, and we look forward to next year. ABOUT THIS SECTION
■ COVER DESIGN: GEOFF JUSTICE ■ PAGE DESIGN: SHARYN K. BOYLE ■ PHOTOS: BILL LACKEY (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
Hundreds gathered in National Road Commons Park in downtown Springfield on June 16 for Come Together Springfield 2023 — A Rooftop Beatles Tribute. The event, sponsored by Skyline Chili in conjuction with the Greater Springfield Partnership, also featured a variety of food trucks and refreshments.
This year’s Best of Springfield contest features a group of winners that represent the spirit of our community. Here are some highlights: THERE WERE SIX WINNERS WHO CLAIMED THE TOP SPOT IN MORE THAN ONE CONTEST:
A statue of George Rogers Clark overlooks downtown Springfield at the intersection of South Fountain Avenue and Main Street.
■■Casa Del Sabor (Best Dine-In Restaurant, Best Mexican Food, Best Tacos); ■■Le Torte Dolci (Best Bakery, Best Desserts); ■Mother ■ Stewart’s Brewing (Best Bar/Brewpub, Best Patio for Dining and Drinks); ■■Speakeasy Ramen (Best Asian Food, Best Restaurant to take an Out-of-Towner); ■■Station 1 (Best Appetizers, Best Wings/Chicken); and ■■Young’s Jersey Dairy (Best Ice Cream, Best Place for Kids Fun, Best Place to Take Visitors)
THE COMPETITION WAS STRONG ■■The top five categories in number of votes were Best Bakery, Best Annual Festival, Best Bar/Brewpub, Best Mexican Food and Best Band. ■■The tightest race was Best Assisted Living/Retirement/Rehab Facility, with all four finalists earning between 27% and 22.9% of the vote. ■■Voting was spread out among the categories, as all of them saw between 1,021 and 3,555 votes. The vote total has grown in each of the past three Best of Springfield contests.
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AND THE WINNERS ARE ... BEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL First place: Summer Arts Festival 202 North Limestone St., Suite 301 937-324-2712 Second place: Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition Veteran’s Park, 250 Cliff Park Road 800-757-1677 Third place: South Vienna Corn Festival 140 W. Main St., South Vienna
The Summer Arts Festival kicked off the 2023 season with Disney’s Newsies JR.
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BEST APPETIZERS First place: Station 1 325 N. Fountain Ave. 937-324-3354 Second place: Texas Roadhouse 1750 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-322-6500 Third place: Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery 45 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-1066
BEST ASIAN FOOD First place: Speakeasy Ramen 365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 Second place: Golden Chopsticks 2973 Derr Road
937-390-7818 Third place: Tasty Wok 1986 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-505-3613
BEST ASSISTED LIVING/ RETIREMENT/ REHAB FACILITY First place: Forest Glen Health Campus 2150 Montego Dr. 937-390-9913 Second place: Villa Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center 701 Villa Road 937-399-5551 Third place: Ohio Masonic Retirement Community 4 Masonic Dr. 937-525-3004 Winners continued on 6
Station 1 finished first in Best Appetizers and Best Wings/ Chicken in 2023 Best of Springfield voting.
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BEST AUTO REPAIR First place: Rogers Garage 4040 St. Paris Pike 937-399-2570 Second place: Hooten Automotive 2229 Larch St. 937-240-0223 Third place: Brake Pros 430 E. Main St. 937-325-7767
Rogers Garage was named Best Auto Repair in this year’s contest.
BEST AUTO/ TRUCK/ MOTORCYCLE DEALER First place: Bill Marine Auto Center 415 E. North St. 937-325-7091 Winners continued on 7
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Second place: Jeff Wyler Springfield Auto Mall 1501 Hillcrest Ave. 937-325-4601 Third place: Jay North LLC 501 E. Columbia St. 937-325-3748
BEST BAKERY First place: Le Torte Dolci 36B, N. Fountain Ave. 937-617-2253 Second place: D. Sweets, Cookies & Gifts, LLC 1605 E. Main St. 937-450-3502 Third place: Schuler’s Bakery 2968 Derr Road 937-323-4900
BEST BAND First place: The Temps www.thetempslive.com Second place: Allison Road www.allisarvenmusic.com
Third place: Matt Clarkson Band www.mattclarksonband.com
BEST BAR/BREWPUB First place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing 102 W. Columbia St. 937-717-0618 Second place: Station 1 325 N. Fountain Ave. 937-324-3354 Third place: Mug & Jug Tavern 1213 Mitchell Blvd. 937-399-7859
BEST BARBERSHOP First place: East High Barber Co. 2429 E. High St. 937-215-0804 Second place: Nice Cuts Barber Shop 100 E. Madison Ave. 937-717-1144 Third place: Minette’s Barber-Styling 1580 E. Main St. 937-324-0561 Winners continued on 8
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BEST BBQ First place: Rudy’s Smokehouse 2222 S Limestone St. 937-324-0884 Second place: Christian Brothers Meat Company 1818 Fairway Dr. 937-604-9943 Third place: Poppy’s Smokehouse 937-207-4431
BEST BIKE SHOP
A man is silhouetted against the mural on the side of the Bicycle Stop, the second-place finisher in Best Bike Shop voting.
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First place: Cyclotherapy 40 W. High St. 937-717-5173 Second place: Bicycle Stop 1355 W. 1st St. 937-342-4780 Winners continued on 11
CSH is proud to join the Greater Springfield Partnership in congratulating the 2023 Best of Springfield Winners!
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Businesses benefit from, enjoy competing in Best of Springfield ‘This shows no signs of slowing down,’ Greater Springfield Partnership organizer says. An idea roughly eight years ago that came as local leaders looked to larger communities for inspiration has turned into a successful Best of Springfield competition that showcases the wide diversity and quality of business and services offered locally. The contest has grown to include more than 50 categories that come from several weeks of nominations and voting from residents, capped off with a celebration and a special magazine-style publication to announce the winners. “It has this kind of effect of energizing the businesses,” said Chris Schutte, Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) vice president of destination marketing and communications. The event is presented by the GSP, which has partnered in recent years with the Springfield News-Sun, “which has grown the contest immensely,” Schutte said. He said comparing Springfield to other communities is a common practice for the partnership and that “really was the genesis for Best of Springfield.” “We do a lot of benchmarking to other communities,” he said, noting comparisons to similar communities and to places “like the Columbuses and Nashvilles, too, to see what are they doing.” Schutte and Greater Springfield Partnership CEO Mike McDorman saw that “best of” events were really
Results for last year’s Best of Springfield competition were announced at Mother Stewart’s Brewery in October 2022. BILL LACKEY / STAFF
popular in other communities and decided to launch one here. “The businesses just instantly embraced it,” Schutte said. “It was just such a hit.” Businesses liked being promoted, liked the contest idea and connected with their own customers via social media to increase interest, he said. He called Best of Springfield a great way to promote the variety of businesses while promoting healthy, fun competition that “produces good results all around.” The party to announce the winners also is fun, he said, and sells out. “You never know when you start an event whether or not it is going to be embraced ... and you also don’t know if it is going to have longevity,” Schutte said. “This shows no signs of slowing down.” “They like the contest as much as we did.” “It was really done as a promotional tool for the businesses of Springfield,” said Schutte.
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Kristine Baggs, owner of Firefly Boutique in downtown Springfield, waters the flowers in front of the shop in 2022. Firefly finished second in Best Boutique voting, behind the now-closed Rose City Boutique.
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BEST BOUTIQUE First place: Rose City Boutique Second place: Firefly Boutique 28 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-6061 Third place: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique 4907 Security Dr. 937-505-6287
BEST BREAKFAST First place: Olympic Coney Island 2039 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-505-6377 Second place: Ironworks Waffle Cafe 101 S Fountain Ave. 937-342-3667 Third place: Mundy’s Diner 920 Selma Road 937-717-1726
BEST BURGER First place: The Ridgewood Cafe 1647 N. Plum St. 937-390-1119 Second place: The Hickory Inn 652 N. Limestone St. 937-323-1779 Third place: Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery 45 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-1066
BEST CATERER First place: Carmae Catering 124 E. College Ave. 937-717-9788 Second place: All Seasons Catering by Chef Troy 1928 Mitchell Blvd. 937-505-1452 Third place: Seasons Kitchen 16 N. Fountain Ave. 937-521-1200 Winners continued on 12
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BEST CHOCOLATES First place: Winans Chocolates + Coffees 32 North Fountain Ave. 937-717-0268 Second place: The Peanut Shoppe 1576 E. Main St. 937-323-2591 Third place: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop 101 W. High St. 937-717-0169 Winans Chocolates + Coffee has the Best Chocolates, Best of Springfield voters say. WINANS PHOTO
BEST COCKTAILS First place: The Market Bar 101 S Fountain Ave. Winners continued on 14
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‘A handy little road map to all the things we have going for us’ The Best of Springfield an excellent tool for community members and visitors alike. Best of Springfield, a contest designed to promote local businesses, also has big benefits for the community that has embraced the event, according to an organizer. “So many people have said to me about Best of Springfield, ‘I had no idea so many of these things were here,’ ” said Chris Schutte, Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) vice president of destination marketing and communications. “It’s kind of a handy little road map to all the things we have going for us.” The event is presented by the GSP in partnership with the Springfield News-Sun. Schutte noted that community members have helped grow the contest, nominating the businesses and helping shape the categories, then voting on the finalists. “We try to generate pride in the community,” he said. “You are extolling positive virtues to the community. It is just another way to say, ‘Your community matters.’” Businesses have a good time at the celebration event when the winners are announced. “There are no losers. You are in the top echelon of what you do if you are a finalist,” Schutte said. The Best of Springfield event, the magazine and online listings also are an excellent tool for visitors, Schutte said. “When you go to visit a place, you want to know were the locals eat. You want
The Greetings from Springfield mural along Fountain Avenue welcomes visitors to the city, and the Best of Springfield magazine serves as its guide. BILL LACKEY / STAFF
‘So many people have said to me about Best of Springfield, “I had no idea so many of these things were here.” ’ CHRIS SCHUTTE Greater Springfield Partnership vice president of destination marketing and communications
to know where the local think has the best barbecue, the best whatever,” he said. “It provides a guide book for the consumer.” Schutte knows that the event reflects the popularity of a business or event, but that reflects what society today enjoys. “People love lists. It’s just fun,” he said. “You have a tendency to remember this stuff. You kind of absorb them into your subconscious.”
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Ka Fi r p p C m o in nst th is ruc t ye a r ion w ’s Be a s st na of me Sp d B ri n e s gfi t C eld on co tra nt c t es or /C t. o
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Second place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 Third place: Speakeasy Ramen 365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722
BEST COFFEEHOUSE First place: Scout’s Café 1399 Moorefield Road 937-505-0660 Second place: Coffee Expressions, LLC 1111 N. Plum St. Suite 1 937-323-5282 Third place: Winans Chocolates & Coffees 32 North Fountain Ave. 937-717-0268
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BEST CONTRACTOR/ CONSTRUCTION FIRM First place: Kapp Construction Inc 329 Mt Vernon Ave. 937-324-0134 Second place: Beedy Plumbing Sewer and Dr.ain 2200 Southbury St. 937-605-0177 Third place: Rowland Roofing 3847 Malaga Cir. 937-323-8948
BEST COOKIES First place: D. Sweets, Cookies & Gifts 1605 E. Main St. 937-450-3502 Second place: Schuler’s Bakery, Inc. 2968 Derr Road 937-323-4900 Third place: Le Torte Dolci 36B, N. Fountain Ave. 937-617-2253 Winners continued on 15
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BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE First place: Springfield Mobile Notary 937-505-0149 Second place: Scout’s Café 1399 Moorefield Road 937-505-0660 Third place: WrightPatt Credit Union 2097 N. Bechtle Ave. 800-762-0047
BEST DENTAL PROFESSIONAL
David Tipton makes a coffee drink at Scout’s Cafe. Scout’s was named Best Coffee Shop and finished second in Best Customer Service voting.
First place: North Spring Dental 4937 Middle Urbana Road 937-399-3800 Winners continued on 16
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Casa Del Sabor was named Best Dine-In Restaurant, Best Tacos and Best Mexican Food in this year’s Best of Springfield contest.
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Second place: Springfield Smiles 1980 Kingsgate Road #A 937-390-3077 Third place: Cochran Family Dentistry: Kevin P. Cochran, DDS 253 Hampton Place 937-399-9777
BEST DESSERTS First place: Le Torte Dolci 36B, N. Fountain Ave. 937-617-2253 Second place: D. Sweets, Cookies & Gifts, LLC 1605 E. Main St. 937-450-3502 Third place: Champion City Pops, Sweets, & Treats 25 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-3740
BEST DINE-IN RESTAURANT First place: Casa Del Sabor 1200 Vester Ave. 937-342-9441 Second place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 Third place: Cecil and Lime 227 E. Cecil St. 937-322-7950
BEST DJ First place: Dj Chill www.nslsilentparty.com 937-631-0986 Second place: DJ House www.thehouseexperience.com 937-450-1124 Third place: Dj Ez www.facebook.com/ djezproctor 937-869-3729 Winners continued on 19
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City’s best festivals are big draws, boost community pride Variety sparks crowds ‘to venture outside of their comfort zone’ for music, food and more. The Best of Springfield contest includes the Best Annual Festival category with finalists representing a wide range of events that share some common themes: they draw thousands of people to Clark County and promote community pride, supporters say. The repeat winner is the Summer Arts Festival, the sixweek free event put on by the Springfield Arts Council through the help of sponsors and with the aid of volunteers who pass the hat during the show to collect donations from the audience. The other festivals honored in the Best of Springfield contest aren’t lightweights, either: the Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition in August, second; the South Vienna Corn Festival in September, third, and the Enon Apple Butter Festival in October, fourth. It is the variety of those festivals, plus numerous other festivals that were nominated but did not make the list of finalists, that makes the community better, according to Tim Rowe, executive director of the Springfield Arts Council. “We are fortunate that these events celebrate and encourage the quality of life in our community,” he said. “The variety of festival events offered in Springfield encourages local and area audiences to venture outside of their ‘comfort zone’ and try new music, new venues, sometimes new food
Jacob Juergens and Caelek Samano scoop hot apple butter out of a kettle at the 2022 Enon Apple Butter Festival. BILL LACKEY / STAFF
‘Often, the acts presented at the (free) Summer Arts Festival are available in many other venues nationwide, but at ticket prices of $25 to $50.’
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TIM ROWE Executive director of the Springfield Arts Council
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and drink, all within a short trip from their homes,” Rowe said. “Those attending any of these local events may enjoy the experience and be motivated to attend other events of a similar nature.” Festivals continued on 18
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Rowe said because community members nominate and choose the “Best of” winners, people “feel a special connection to their nominated favorite and can take community pride in knowing that their selection is specially validated and appreciated by their Springfield-area family and friends.” Some people start calling in November to find out what acts will perform at the Summer Arts Festival and plan their summer vacations around them, Rowe has said. “This festival we do has the heart of this community,” Rowe said. “This is what you do in the summer here.” The Gourmet Food Truck Competition is Springfield Rotary’s major fundraiser and raised about $300,000 in its first eight years. Ninety percent of that money stays in the community to sup-
At the Independent Order of Odd Fellows #345’s booth, Scott Drow pulls corn out of the boiling water at the South Vienna Corn Festival earlier this year. The event featured food, music crafts and carnival rides.
port local projects, hep children with disabilities, offer scholarships and support the annual Excellence in Teaching. The $10,000 in prize money draws top food trucks and serious foodies. The South Vienna Corn Festival returned to its full form in 2023, drawing good crowds, after canceling
because of COVID and adjusting because of Northeastern school construction at the festival site in recent years. The Apple Butter Festival, marking its 43rd year in 2023, is put on by the Enon Community Historical Society as a community service project. Thousands of visitors have watched, or even
helped, as apple butter is made the old-fashioned way in five, 50-gallon copper kettles, cooked over open wood-burning fires. As for the winning festival, the Summer Arts Festival, Rowe said the close to 60 years of consistently offering four to eight weeks of live entertainment annually has made it unique not only in Clark County but throughout the performing arts industry. “Our artists and performers consistently remark that the Summer Arts Festival is one of their favorite venues in the country and are amazed that chairs are in place starting at 6 a.m.,” Rowe said. “Often, the acts presented at the Summer Arts Festival are available in many other venues nationwide, but at ticket prices of $25 to $50 or more, making this community gathering for free entertainment one of the longest-running performing arts events in the country.”
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Schuler’s Bakery was voted Best Donuts. Pictured is the South Limestone Street headquarters.
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BEST DONUTS First place: Schuler’s Bakery Inc. 2968 Derr Road 937-323-4900 Second place: Le Torte Dolci 36B, N. Fountain Ave. 937-617-2253 Third place: Dunkin’ 1931 S Limestone St. 937-505-3949
BEST EMPLOYER First place: Chick-fil-A 1740 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-977-7343 Second place: Wright-Patt Credit Union 2097 N. Bechtle Ave. 800-762-0047 Third place: Park National Bank Multiple area locations
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR First place: Gracie Bakes Cakes and More Graciebakesspringfield @gmail.com Second place: On the Rise 937-926-0165 Third place: Honey Creek Beef 937-504-1817
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BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRM (BANK, INSURANCE, INVESTMENTS) First place: Wright-Patt Credit Union 2097 N. Bechtle Ave. 800-762-0047 Second place: Park National Bank Multiple area locations Third place: IH Credit Union Multiple area locations Winners continued on 21
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The Painted Pepper Food Truck offers a Southwestern style menu inspired by Louie Ortega’s El Paso, Texas, roots. Ortega owns The Painted Pepper with his wife, Amanda.
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BEST FLORIST First place: Schneider’s Florist 633 N. Limestone St. 937-323-4634 Second place: Netts Floral Company 1017 Pine St. 937-323-4101 Third place: Flower Craft 1156 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-325-3885
BEST FOOD TRUCK First place: The Painted Pepper Food Truck www.facebook.com/ paintedpepper 937-969-0877 Second place: Chido’s Tacos www.facebook.com/ chidowonstacos 937-521-9280 Third place: Blended by J www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100092620654568 937-925-6830
BEST GARDEN CENTER
First place: Pendleton’s Produce 2175 Baker Road 937-399-1749 Second place: Harmony Farm Market 4760 E. National Road 937-324-3289 Third place: Meadow View Growers 755 N. Dayton-Lakeview Road, New Carlisle 937-845-0093
BEST GYM/ YOGA STUDIO First place: Springfield Health & Fitness 202 N. Limestone St. #103 937-325-9770 Second place: Sunflower Yoga 120 S Center St. 937-450-7280 Third place: Resolute 937 1161 #B N. Bechtle Ave. Springfield 260-446-8619 Winners continued on 22
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BEST ICE CREAM First place: Young’s Jersey Dairy 6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs 937-325-0629 Second place: Kone Korner 3709 St. Paris Pike 937-390-2663 Third place: Champion City Pops, Sweets, & Treats 25 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-3740 Tom Thompson is the owner and chef at Eatly, which has Springfield’s Best Italian Food, according to voters.
BEST ITALIAN FOOD First place: Eatly 601 N. Fountain Ave. 937-450-3337 Winners continued on 23
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CO h atc h Spring field at 101 S Fo untain Ave. wa s vo t e d Be st Lu n ch Sp o t .
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Second place: Mic’s Italian Restaurant 2384 Mechanicsburg Road 937-399-5074 Third place: Fratelli’s 42 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-9387
BEST LANDSCAPER First place: Gillam Lawncare & Landscaping Llc 8885 Old Columbus Road, South Vienna 937-568-0072 Second place: Rose City Lawn & Landscaping 937-327-8482 Third place: NewView Property Maintenance and Hardscapes, LLC 2400 Mechanicsburg Road 937-717-0861
BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER OR PHOTO STUDIO First place: Andrew Grimm Photography 23 Monument Sq, Urbana 937-210-9363 Second place: Simplicity Rose Photography www.Instagram.com/ simplicityrosephotography Third place: Elizabeth Newman Photography www.elizanewphoto.com
BEST LUNCH SPOT First place: COhatch Springfield 101 S Fountain Ave. 937-741-2529 Second place: The Ridgewood Cafe 1647 N. Plum St. 937-390-1119 Third place: Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery 45 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-1066 Winners continued on 24
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Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop — 2023‘s Best New Business — carries a variety of candy, treats, sodas, ice cream, toys and novelty items.
Winners continued from 23
BEST MEXICAN FOOD First place: Casa Del Sabor 1200 Vester Ave. 937-342-9441 Second place: Los Mariachis 1815 E. Main St. 937-324-2066 Third place: El Toro 1781 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-342-9015
BEST NEW BUSINESS First place: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop 101 W. High St. 937-717-0169 Second place: Champion City Pops, Sweets, & Treats 25 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-3740 Third place: Blended by J www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100092620654568 937-925-6830
BEST PATIO FOR DINING AND DRINKS First place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing 102 W. Columbia St. 937-717-0618 Second place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 Third place: The Ridgewood Cafe 1647 N. Plum St. 937-390-1119
BEST PHYSICIAN/ MEDICAL SPECIALIST/ GENERAL PRACTITIONER First place: Dr. Ian Thompson 140 W. Main St. #100 937-398-1066 Second place: Dr.. Alper Sarihan, DO 280 Red Coach Dr. 937-399-3010 Winners continued on 25
25
Winners continued from 24
Third place: Dr.. Thomas W. Ericksen, MD 1835 E. High St. #3 937-525-0100
BEST PIZZA
One of The Hickory Inn’s famous pizzas — Springfield’s Best Pizza, voters say.
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First place: The Hickory Inn 652 N. Limestone St. 937-323-1779 Second place: Catanzaro’s Pizza & Subs 433 Dayton Ave. 937-322-3791 Third place: Station 1 325 N. Fountain Ave. 937-324-3354 Winners continued on 26
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n pio am uide h C — yG Ci t p p l y s t u e S B & d y Bu s me n a c e to G i f t d l, a l l e P gfie ar ri n s a p p i e s p S or ell s — s c e s s ve n i r c a sou e h d g t cal a n u tin lo to r i c h e . s ’ g y a c i t e r i t U T ED h RIB CO
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BEST PLACE FOR HOME DECOR First place: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique 4907 Security Dr. 937-505-6287 Second place: Duo Home 149 W. Jefferson St. 937-505-9319 Third place: Rose City Boutique
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS FUN First place: Young’s Jersey Dairy 6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs 937-325-0629 Second place: Building Block Play Studio 137 E. Main St. Third place: Splash Zone Aquatic Center 300 Eagle City Road 937-324-7665
BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY First place: David Garrett Jewelers 639 W. Columbia St. 937-325-3680 Second place: Rolfes Jewelers 619 W. Columbia St. 937-323-1102 Third place: Firefly Boutique 28 N. Fountain Ave. 937-505-6061
BEST PLACE TO BUY SPRINGFIELD GIFTS First place: Champion City Guide & Supply 36 C, N. Fountain Ave. 937-521-1948 Second place: Rose City Boutique Third place: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique 4907 Security Dr. 937-505-6287 Winners continued on 27
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Best of Spring field vo te r s s ay S p e a ke a s y Ra m e n ha s the Best As ian Foo d and is t he Best Place t o Take a n O u t- o f -Towne r. C O NTRIB
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BEST PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS First place: Young’s Jersey Dairy 6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs 937-325-0629 Second place: COhatch Springfield 101 S Fountain Ave. 937-741-2529 Third place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing 102 W. Columbia St. 937-717-0618
BEST REALTOR/ REAL ESTATE OFFICE First place: Coldwell Banker Heritage 331 Mt Vernon Ave. 937-322-0352 Second place: Real Estate II Inc. 1140 E. Home Road 937-390-3119
Third place: Lagonda Creek Real Estate LLC 2685 Derr Road #2445 937-342-9995
BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER
U T ED
Compassionate Farewells for Beloved Companions Traditional and Cremation Burial Pet Funerals Markers & Monuments
First place: Speakeasy Ramen 365 Ludlow Ave. 937-324-3722 Second place: Stella Bleu Bistro 20 N. Fountain Ave. 937-717-0478 Third place: The Hickory Inn 652 N. Limestone St. 937-323-1779
BEST SALON/ SPA First place: Studio B Salon & Spa 306 N. Limestone St. 937-460-7244 Winners continued on 28
501 W. McCreight Ave, Springfield, OH 45504
937-322-3491
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Chido’s Tacos finished second in the Best Tacos category, behind Casa Del Sabor. CONTRIBUTED
Winners continued from 27
Second place: Bombshell Beauty parlor 20 W. Columbia St. 937-460-7217 Third place: Salon Culture 1093 Upper Valley Pike 937-207-5403
BEST TACOS First place: Casa Del Sabor 1200 Vester Ave. 937-342-9441 Second place: Chido’s Tacos 101 S Fountain Ave. 937-521-9280 Third place: Mariana’s Tacos Y Paletas 1706 E. Main St. 937-717-0379
BEST TATTOO ARTIST First place: Chris Powell Tattoos 122 E. Main St.; 937-505-3031 Second place: Ian Lonsway instagram.com/ian.tattoos
Third place: American Tattoo Collective 2210 E. Main St. 937-505-3743
BEST WEDDING VENUE First place: Whitetail Lodge 5350 Morris Road 937-206-2298 Second place: Simon Kenton Inn 4690 Urbana Road 937-399-9950 Third place: Bushnell Event Center 22 N. Fountain Ave. 937-324-2006
BEST WINGS/ CHICKEN First place: Station 1 325 N. Fountain Ave. 937-324-3354 Second place: Roosters 1720 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-717-5409 Third place: Buffalo Wild Wings 1960 N. Bechtle Ave. 937-390-9464
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City, county poised for ‘best days’ Hard work creates ‘a healthy ecosystem for the benefit of the people who live, work and play in this community’ Springfield and Clark County have been on quite a run with significant job growth over the past few Mike years. McDorman Company investments have helped stimulate the biggest housing boom in 50-plus years, and leaders throughout the state of Ohio are talking about the unprecedented momentum happening in our community. Our community’s success can be attributed to stakeholder alignment and a city
Carriage rides courtesy of Willow Wind Carriage & Limousine Service were part of Springfield’s 2022 Holiday in the City celebration.
and county that are investing in important assets and infrastructure for the betterment of all who live in Springfield/ Clark County. The partnerships that have been built up over a long time are now paying off as
this community continues to attract next-generation opportunities while growing the existing companies we have located in this area. We are also attracting residential and mixed-use developers for the first time in
decades who are planning much-needed developments in strategic locations throughout the community, including downtown Springfield. The plans being worked on will help propel us forward as the economy improves. I often hear people talk about the good old days of Springfield. In the very near future, these same people might get to see the best days of Springfield! We are building a healthy ecosystem for the benefit of the people who live, work and play in this community. Onward, Springfield/Clark County! Mike McDorman is president and CEO of the Greater Springfield Partnership, which presents the annual Best of Springfield contest in conjunction with the Springfield News-Sun.
2685 Derr Road, Springfield, OH 45503 • 937-342-9995 www.LagondaCreek.com
Thank You Clark County For Your Continued Support. Come See Why Our Customers Have Nominated Us For The Best Of Springfield. Let Our Experience And Continuous Training Help You Meet Your Real Estate Needs.
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‘Everyone who enjoys dining wins’ Editor and local resident shares his personal perspective on the winners in the Best of Springfield food contests As a resident of the Springfield-Clark County community for roughly a quarter of a century, and as a journalBen ist who loves McLaughlin to eat, I bring a unique perspective to the food categories in the annual Best of Springfield contest. Best appetizers or pizzas, been there and done all of those finalists. Best breakfasts, bakeries and chocolate places: check, check and check. The lists go on and on.
Lindsey Haerr picks glazed donuts from a tray at Schuler’s Bakery. News-Sun Editor Ben McLaughlin agrees Schuler’s has the Best Donuts.
The beauty of the Best of Springfield food contests is that everyone who enjoys dining wins. The nomination process and voting — all from
local residents voicing their favorites — always turns up a place you’ve never been, a place you had forgotten about or a place you frequent so
much they know your name and order. Here are my personal takes on finalists in several of the top categories, starting with the morning and going through the day . Best Donuts: The winner here is no surprise to Springfielders. Schuler’s Bakery is what I buy when new employees start working with us, and I used to buy them in mornings when my daughters were little and would have someone for a sleepover. They are that good. Best Breakfast: Olympic Coney Island might not sound like a breakfast place, but you are missing out if you don’t try it. My personal favorite is the gyro omelet. Editor continued on 31
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Editor
“Young’s Jersey Dairy makes for a great way to end your evening after a food tour of Springfield,” writes NewsSun editor Ben McLaughlin.
continued from 31
Another finalist I enjoy is Mundy’s Diner, and I look forward to it opening in a larger space on the east side of town. Best Lunch Spot: I know the winner here extremely well. COhatch the Market in downtown Springfield is the home of our own office space, and COhatch also is home to several fantastic lunch spots, making this a no-brainer for voters. I am a regular at Chido’s since Armando Nunez opened it in the summer. He is creative and fun, and he promotes others in social media. I grab a tasty roll each week from Sushi Hikari, a fantastic sandwich from Jo’s Deli and alternate between Ironworks, Crust and Co. and All Saints Grill the other days of the week. They all are so good that on those rare instances I venture out to have lunch with a source or community member, I feel like I am cheating on the COhatch folks. Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery is a short walk from the office and another spot I hit up for lunch. It is definitely worth a try if you have not been. Keep an eye out for their seasonal dishes, like the occasional lobster roll I have had there. Best bakery, cookies and desserts: Yes, those are three different categories, but they have many familiar names in each one, including Le Torte Dolci, owned by Lisa and Dan Freeman, who have four downtown food spots now. D. Sweets, Cookies and Gifts also should be on your list to try. Best of the meats: Yes, these categories are really Best BBQ and Best Burger, but I lumped them together. Rudy’s Smokehouse is a longtime favorite of mine and has been served at many of my family functions. I admit I still haven’t tried a couple of the finalists here, but rest assured, they are on my list because I hear so many good things about them. I love a Straw Hat burger from Ridgewood Cafe, which
has some cool decor and a nice outside dining spot. Best Dine-In Restaurant: No offense to the winner, because I eat there regularly, but Casa Del Sabor is a different dining experience than the rest of the finalists in this category. If you are out for a date night, Stella Bleu Bistro, Cecil and Lime and Charlo’s all are solid options here. Best Restaurant to take an Out-of-Towner: I can say that I have taken visitors to each of the places in this category, and Speakeasy Ramen, the winner, is always a hit with friends and family from Bellefontaine to Dayton and points between. People are amazed Springfield has something off the beaten path like Speakeasy. You also cannot go wrong with fancier Stella Bleu or Cecil and Lime, or the quirkier Hickory Inn. Best Mexican Food: My wife just might get a bit tired of me suggesting Mexican when we go out for dinner, but winner Casa Del Sabor and finalists Los Mariachis, El Toro and El Speedy Vaquero all have their specialties and friendly staff. It is one of the categories that could even stand to have a few more finalists because we have plenty of great options in Springfield. One of those is a Best Tacos finalist, Mariana’s Tacos Y Paletas, which is a family-run shop that makes unique food and has some wonderful dessert treats. Best Pizza: I have tried and enjoyed all four finalists, and I already have mentioned Hickory Inn and Crust and Co. That leaves the other two, which are fantastically differ-
ent experiences. Catanzaro’s Pizza & Subs is an old-school business where you carry out, but be prepared for heavy lifting, because they do not scrimp on toppings. Because of Best of Springfield, our family discovered how good the Station 1 pizza is. All the regular pizzas have been tasty, but the monthly specials are almost always the bomb. Put them on your musttry list. Best Ice Cream: If Schuler’s
is synonymous with donuts, you probably will find a photo of Young’s Jersey Dairy in the dictionary next to ice cream. The ice cream is what started it all, but the Young’s empire continues to grow with tons of other options and activities. And, it makes for a great way to end your evening after a food tour of Springfield. Shoutout to a couple others in the category — Kone Korner reminds me of my younger days when I would stop coming or going from my hometown of Bellefontaine to the Upper Valley Mall; and Champion City Pops, Sweets, & Treats has tasty rolled ice cream, which requires some strong arms by those making it. I hope you find this list fun and helpful, as it was intended to be, but feel free to drop me a line at ben.mclaughlin @coxinc.com if you want to rock, paper, scissors me on any of my thoughts.
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